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Terminal Railroad Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Eco-Energy

Terminal Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

The basic function of the rail terminal operator is to facilitate the day to day operation of the EEDS facility. These duties include, but are not limited to, preparing rail cars for unload ...

Eco Energy

Terminal Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

The basic function of the rail terminal operator is to facilitate the day to day operation of the EEDS facility. These duties include, but are not limited to, preparing rail cars for unload ...

Eco Energy LLC

Terminal Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

The basic function of the rail terminal operator is to facilitate the day to day operation of the EEDS facility. These duties include, but are not limited to, preparing rail cars for unload ...

ConGlobal

Terminal Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$24.58 - $26.71/hr

ConGlobal is the go-to expert for multimodal, industrial terminal operations. ConGlobal has been ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

ConGlobal

Terminal Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$26.71/hr

ConGlobal is the go-to expert for multimodal, industrial terminal operations. ConGlobal has been ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

CalPortland

Terminal Operator

Stockton, CA

$25 - $27/hr

Loading and unloading cement utilizing a rail car mover, front end loader, and computer equipment ... terminal and associated buildings clean * Follow all CalPortland and WorkSafe safety rules and ...

CalPortland

Terminal Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Loading and unloading cement utilizing a rail car mover, front end loader, and computer equipment ... terminal and associated buildings clean * Follow all CalPortland and WorkSafe safety rules and ...

CalPortland

Terminal Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Loading and unloading cement utilizing a rail car mover, front end loader, and computer equipment ... terminal and associated buildings clean * Follow all CalPortland and WorkSafe safety rules and ...

Vulcan Materials

Terminal Operator

Oakland, CA · On-site

$43 - $47/hr

Terminal Operator III Pacific Asphalt Distribution, LLC Build Your Career. Build America's Future ... Receive truck, barge and rail shipments and offload contents into various tanks. * Climb vertical ...

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Terminal Railroad information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$71K

$109.5K

How much do terminal railroad jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for terminal railroad in California is $70,969.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $80,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a terminal railroad?

A terminal railroad is a specialized type of railroad company that primarily operates within a limited area, such as a port, city, or industrial complex, to move freight cars between different railroads or between railroads and local industries. Terminal railroads handle switching operations, assemble and disassemble trains, and facilitate the efficient transfer of goods. They play a crucial role in connecting major rail carriers with shipping customers, helping to ensure smooth operations in key transportation hubs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a terminal railroad operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Terminal Railroad Operator, you need knowledge of rail operations, safety protocols, and mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with railroad signaling systems, radios, and safety certification programs like FRA regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient movement of railcars and minimize the risk of accidents in demanding rail yard environments.

What are some common challenges faced by terminal railroad employees, and how can they be addressed?

Terminal Railroad employees often encounter challenges such as coordinating efficiently with multiple rail carriers, managing tight schedules, and working in varying weather conditions. These roles require strong communication skills to ensure safe and timely transfers of freight cars between trains and terminals. New employees may find it helpful to proactively seek mentorship, stay current with safety protocols, and participate in ongoing training programs offered by the company. Building strong relationships with colleagues and staying organized can significantly contribute to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Terminal Railroad vs Switcher Operator?

AspectTerminal RailroadSwitcher Operator
CertificationsRailroad certifications, safety trainingRailroad certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, freight terminalsRail yards, industrial sites
Employer & IndustryRailroads, freight companiesRailroads, freight companies
Job FocusManaging freight movement within terminalsMoving railcars within yards

Both Terminal Railroad workers and Switcher Operators work in rail yards and require similar certifications. However, Terminal Railroad roles often involve overseeing freight operations across larger terminal areas, while Switcher Operators focus on moving railcars within specific yard sections. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the rail industry.

What are popular job titles related to Terminal Railroad jobs in California?

For Terminal Railroad jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Terminal Railroad jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Terminal Railroad jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Terminal Railroad jobs?

Cities in California with the most Terminal Railroad job openings:

Terminal Railroad jobs near you
Infographic showing various Terminal Railroad job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, and 94% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,969 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Terminal Rail Transload Operator

Plastic Express

Santa Fe Springs, CA • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Plastic Express rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Company Overview
Come join a winning Team! Since 1970 Plastic Express has met the bulk trucking, bulk terminal, packaging, and warehousing needs of the plastics industry. Our strategic locations, modern systems, and dedicated employees allow us to provide custom tailored logistical solutions to fulfill the most challenging needs of our customers. Plastic Express operates from 22 full-service facilities, more than 40 bulk terminals, and 52 railcar terminals offering more than 8,500 railcar spots across the country. We are located near 9 major ports in the U.S. and rely heavily on our rail infrastructure to handle imports /exports as well as regional distribution. At many of the Plastic Express sites, we also handle some non-plastic commodities, which include; paper rolls, steel, building materials and other dry bulk materials. Plastic Express owns and operates roughly 250 trucks, with approximately 250 trailers performing full bulk truck distribution business. Plastic Express is headquartered in Houston, TX and has over 600 employees nationwide. Our goal has always been to exceed our customer's expectations, and our can do-attitude is what differentiates us from the competition.
Plastic Express employees have always been our key to success and total customer satisfaction. We are always looking for dependable & talented business professionals that will help us to grow and to continue our "Can Do" tradition.
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Job Summary:
With reporting responsibilities to the Terminal Rail Manager or designee, this position is responsible for working outdoor in a railcar storage and transload terminal, interpreting train orders with local switch crew, railyard traffic, and rules associated to local, FRA & OSHA regulations; handling of food grade and plastic resin materials; timely submittal and correct railcar inventory with accurate placement of rail cars; verify proper alignment for product transfer between railcars and bulk trucks and other essential rail functions in a safety sensitive and production environment
Essential Functions/Duties:
  • Effectively Inventory and manage the placement of railcars for product transfer from hopper/tank cars to bulk trucks.
  • Keys data into a hand-held tablet.
  • Verifies railcar identifiers with driver loading instructions to ensure accuracy and quality.
  • Inspects railcars for leaks and exterior damage upon placement at and release from the railyard.
  • Ensures all railcars are properly sealed and documents data when released.
  • Effectively & professionally communicates with on-site vendors, 3rd party contractors, customers and employees.
  • Assist with general clean up duties within the railyard and facility (general maintenance, landscaping, and painting.)
  • Reads gauges, pressure valves, fuel levels and other related mechanical instruments to maintain good working order.
  • Operates diesel powered conveyor in loading pneumatic bulk trailers.
  • Ability to handle and connect hoses, transfer pumps, portable fall protection, re-fuel machinery, lift/move heavy machinery.
  • Operates pumps and turns valves on railcars.
  • Inspects all company and vendor provided equipment before and after use using preferred inspection logs.
  • Sample customer specific products and keeps records.
  • Reports any unsafe and non-working mechanical devices, machinery, tools, and or vehicles to management staff.
  • Uses basic computer skills including, Microsoft Word, Excel and Email.
  • Reports and clean all railyard spills as required by published company policy guidelines to management staff.
  • Must wear personal protective equipment by published company policy guidelines at all times.
  • Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted and or changed at any time at the discretion of the management.
  • Perform other duties as may be required from time to time.

Qualifications:
  • Must be able to safely operate a motorized vehicles such as forklift, ariel lifts, golf carts, etc.
  • Must have a valid state issued driver license.
  • Must have the ability to think independently and make decisions that are in the company's best interest.
  • Must have excellent interpersonal, communications, and organizational skills.
  • Must be multi-task oriented with the ability to handle many activities simultaneously.
  • Ability to recognize onsite risk factors and take appropriate action with firmness and tact.

Required Education and Experience
  • Minimum education required is a high school diploma or equivalent.
Preferred Education and Experience
  • Minimum 1 year of relevant transload or material handling experience preferred.

Physical Demands
  • Must be able to perform physical labor such as; lifting up to 55 lbs., moving up to 250 pounds, climbing ladders, operate control panels and working with hand tools.
  • Must be able use fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and/or hear.
  • Employee must possess vision abilities required by this job function to include close visual confirmation of finely printed documents, have distance vision to safely and correctly identify objects and or markings.
  • Must have peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus on subjects or objects at any safe working distance

Licenses/Certificates: Valid driver license.
Skills:
  • Basic Math skills. Ability to perform basic mathematical equations.
  • Have mechanical, operational, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to complete written documents and records using pen and paper as well as computers.
  • Excellent communication, written and grammatical skills in English, Spanish a plus.
  • Strong Safety awareness.
  • Proven success with working in a team environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously without constant supervision.
  • Customer service oriented.
Additional Job Details:
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Work Environment:
  • Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid or windy conditions caused by the weather including rain, heat and cold temps; loud noise and fumes from gas, oil and grease and food grade sensitive materials.
  • Working at heights using harnessed fall protection and safety equipment.
  • Expected to performing essential rail functions in a safety sensitive and production environment in and around the process plant, transload yard and railyard.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
  • Full-time / rotating schedule as needed to cover staffing & customer demands. Shifts are subject to the modification/adjustment based the site workload and production scheduled rates.
  • Must be available to work at all hours including Saturdays and Sundays as required.
Compensation: $23.00 per hour, non-exempt
Travel: None
Compensation:
  • $22.00 to $24.00 per hour, based on experience
Benefits and Perks:
  • Family health benefit packages - after 90 days
  • Vacation pay - after 90 days
  • Holiday pay - after 90 days
  • Company matching 401k retirement program - after 90 days

Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted and/or changed at any time at the discretion of management.
In line with Plastic Express' Environmental Promise, the hired individual is expected to enthusiastically support all facets of Operation Clean Sweep; specifically, making a conscious effort to prevent pellet, flake and powder loss into the environment and ensure any spills are swiftly and effectively cleaned up.
If you have an interest in working at Plastic Express, please forward your resume including a brief work history.

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